Analysis Lady Gaga - Paparazzi

[ecsmix]

http://www.queensongs.info/forum/forum. ... =4&shift=0

I didn't understand one thing about her progression.
Usually you will make the chorus with a strong progression not the verse, meaning the transition between chords will have notes in common.
In Paparazzi, the verse has a very strong chord progression in C minor.
Verse:
Cm - Ab - Cm (2 notes in common) then Cm - Ab - Fm( 2 notes in common).
In the chorus modulates to original key of the song Ab but the progression is not as strong like in the verse.
Ab - Eb - Fm - Db(last chord changes to Cm), Only Fm to Db has a strong progression.

Why this approach works as well, because of the modulation?

Thanks.

By the way, awesome site Queens' one.
Lots of good info.

[sonicfire]

Why this approach works as well, because of the modulation?

because it's gaga

[karacha]

"Strong" chord progression does not mean you have common notes between chords.

Example: some of the most useful chord progressions, especially in a cadence are IV-V-I or II-V-I, in both major and minor keys.

IV and V don't have any common tones, II and V have 1.

Or take the deceptive cadence: V-VI. Very strong chord progression, no common tones.

In tonal music (classical), "strong" chord progressions are circle-of-fifths progressions and the derivatives. Basically:

(VII)-III-VI-II-V-I, with IV being grouped with II and vii diminished with V. Additions are III-IV, IV-I, V-VI, VI-V. Those progressions are "strong" and some of them have common tones, some don't.

To now use your example:

In Ab: Ab - Eb - Fm - Db

is I-V-VI-IV.

This is a typical "strong" chord progression -- tonic, dominant, deceptive into VI (functioning as tonic substitution here), subdominant. You just add a nice D-T function at the end, and it could not be more "classical."

[wetdentist]

she is a virtuoso with an incredible knowledge of music theory. she knows how to work it for sure

it is an amazing song with an even more amazing music video; at the beginning of the video you can hear her riffing out on the piano

[eduardo_b]

Sometimes music theory can't explain what we like and praise.

[MaxSynths]

Sometimes music theory can't explain what we like and praise.

That's why I suggest to the OP to take a look to Queen scores: you'll find a lot of unusual progressions and also "weird" stuff which sounds great. The same is true for the great composers of the past (Chopin and Beethoven come to mind): if you look deep in the scores you'll find things which today could be considered "wrong" (Chopin, Ballade Op.23).

[djanthonyw]

[No_Use]

Ogg Vorbis are you here ?

(uhm it's just that I enjoy reading what you have to say to such topics, though karacha explained it already so that I could follow)

[icelizarrd]

Sometimes music theory can't explain what we like and praise.

Surely that doesn't mean it's worthless to try now and again, though?

[eduardo_b]

Sometimes music theory can't explain what we like and praise.

Surely that doesn't mean it's worthless to try now and again, though?

No, of course not. I'm only pointing out that there's a difference between theory and application, and they don't always align.

[ckatrun411]

I think this track is amazing. Not because I think it is good music, I don't. Not because I think this chick is a genius, I don't.

But...

I think this track is amazing because, as annoying and stupid as this song is, it is still less annoying than, "toms diner."

Analyze that!

[trewq]

I'm not familiar with the song, though I've heard it once, but that verse to chorus progression you gave makes perfect sense.

Given just those chords, they all belong to the scale of Ab Major, with modes changing between verse and chorus. But all the chords up to that Db are also in C natural minor - to get back to the verse, it just plays Cm instead of Db.

Cm and Ab (i-VI) is the 3rd mode of Ab, but can also be C natural minor without the D note, which is flat in Ab Major.

When it finally plays a Ab - Fm, it sets it up for the change to Ab 1st mode.(same interval change as Cm - Ab, except for Ab)

There probably is a D note in the song's verse, but the basic progression is just modes of Ab. There may even be other accidental passing-notes played between chord changes that suggest other keys.

If you don't get what I'm saying, take a look at interval, chord root, and scale/mode tonic basics, as already suggested.

And you really shouldn't be without a generator for scales from chords, chords from scales, like Chordware.

[groovesys]

It's great to know theory and be able to analyze a particular chord progression, melody, counter melody, harmonies and rhythm. As a musician, I love deconstructing a track to see how a song is built. For me, theory is a useful reference guide, never a rule that must be followed.

In the end, I like a song if I can feel it. Certain chord progressions, melodies and rhythms invoke a strong, positive feeling in me; while other music invokes absolutely nothing, or worse, a negative feeling.

[ecsmix]

I agree with you 100% groovesys, help us out doing that.(desconstruction)
There are other threads like that in this forum where musicians like you could share your knowledge for others new to theory, like me.
You would be more than welcome to share your thoughts,knowledge and ideias.
Thanks.

[neueliteratur]

she is a virtuoso with an incredible knowledge of music theory. she knows how to work it for sure

it is an amazing song with an even more amazing music video; at the beginning of the video you can hear her riffing out on the piano

is this sarcasm or is this true?